Consulting Services

Laser Hazard Services

CO2 Cutting Laser in action.Lasers are arguably one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. Once described as "a solution in search of a problem", lasers are used in every aspect of life today, from signaling, telecommunications and range finding, to surveying, surgery and testing. Lasers come from picowatt to megawatt sizes and in infrared (IR), visible, and ultraviolet (UV) varieties.

Whether you are integrating lasers in equipment, building lasers from scratch, conducting research or using them in your daily operations, you need to be aware of the hazards specific to your laser and application.

 

Regulations

There are a number of key regulations and standards in force today. In Canada, the general machinery safety regulations in each province require that employers protect workers from hazards created by the machines and processes that they use. Federal regulations place similar requirements on Federally regulated businesses as well. Lasers are regulated under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act and the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Lasers must be reported to the Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau.

In the USA, the FDA regulates lasers through the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Lasers and laser products sold in the USA must be registered with the CDRH and must meet the OSHA regulations for laser safety. There are different requirements for medical and non-medical lasers.

In the EU, lasers are covered under a number of directives, including 98/37/EC Machinery and the new edition of the same directive, 2006/42/EC , the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC, and the EMC Directive, 2004/108/EC.

Standards

Canada

In Canada, the general standard for laser safety is CAN/CSA E60825-1. For healthcare applications, the standard is CSA Z386 where the laser is used in a healthcare facility (i.e. a surgical laser), and is CAN/CSA-C22.2 NO. 60601-2-22-01 for medical equipment applications. There are additional standards that pertain to the electrical shock and fire safety of these products as well.

USA

In the USA, the general standard for laser safety is ANSI Z136.1. There are a number of additional parts of ANSI Z136 that may also apply to your application. This standard is being replaced by IEC 60825-1 as ANSI harmonized with the International Community.

In addition, NFPA 115 deals with fire protection in lasers and laser installations. The CDRH also publishes a laser standard, 21 CFR 1040.10. Lasers intended to be marketed in the USA must meet the CDRH requirements and be registered with the CDRH before they can can be marketed.

For industrial applications, ANSI B11.21 applies to machinery incorporating lasers.

EU

In the EU, the primary laser safety standard is EN IEC 60825-1. In addition, the following standards may be applicable to your application:

Software

We are the Canadian agents for Laser Professionals Inc of Los Alamos, New Mexico. LPI produces one of the best laser hazard analysis tools currently available, EasyHaz™. For more information, Request a Quotation!

Training

We provide training to you or your employees, from basic laser safety through advanced Laser Safety Officer training. In conjunction with Laser Professionals, public courses are available throughout the USA every month. Private Canadian courses are now available. See our Laser Safety Training page.

Course Outlines

Fundamentals of Laser Safety (LSO-1)

Applied Laser Safety (LSO-2)

Laser Safety Programs for Research (LSO-3)

Laser Hazard Calculations, CLSO Preparation and Review (LSO-4)

Contact us for more information today!